From advising central government on large infrastructure investments to supporting ambitious scaling businesses, Michael Donnelly’s latest moves sees him take on the role of Chairman of private GP provider Duality Healthcare and with it, the challenge of supporting one of Northern Ireland’s most innovative businesses as it invests significantly for growth.
A Belfast-native, Michael has over 25 years of experience as a senior strategic adviser, investment professional and Chartered Accountant working across infrastructure, regulated sectors and private capital in London, Dublin and Belfast.
Previously, he was fund manager for a FTSE 250 investment vehicle with Quintain Estates and Development, and acted as an adviser to shareholders of KN Group (now Circet) during a period of rapid international expansion. Currently, in addition to his new role with Duality Healthcare, he serves as Head of Financial and Commercial Advisory at the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) on a part time basis – supporting Ministers and departments on complex multi-million pound portfolios – and is an active private investor and adviser to early-stage and scaling companies, with a particular focus on governance, capital discipline and strategic clarity.
He says that he is excited to take on his new role with Duality Healthcare as the company is well-placed to scale responsibly and become a truly trusted provider within the UK healthcare landscape, and he looks forward to working with CEO John McEvoy and his team to realise their powerful vision.
“Duality Healthcare is addressing a genuine and growing challenge within the healthcare system: access to timely, high-quality care delivered in a way that is clinically robust, patient-centred and scalable. What distinguishes Duality is that it is not simply a technology platform, it is a healthcare business built around clinical leadership, real-world delivery and an understanding of regulatory and operational realities. That combination gives it strong foundations for sustainable growth,” Michael says.
“I believe Duality has significant potential to become a truly trusted provider within the UK healthcare landscape, particularly as health systems look for innovative models that improve access and outcomes while remaining cost-effective. With disciplined governance and a clear growth strategy, the business is very well-placed to scale responsibly,” Michael continues.
“My role is to ensure the board operates effectively, with clear accountability, constructive challenge and strong decision-making, as well as to support management in balancing clinical quality, patient outcomes and commercial sustainability. I will also be working to ensure very robust financial oversight, governance frameworks and risk management as the organisation grows, and ultimately help position Duality as a highly credible, truly trusted partner to patients, clinicians, commissioners, investors and regulators,” he adds.
John McEvoy, CEO of Duality Healthcare says: “I am delighted to welcome Michael as Chairman of Duality Healthcare. His considerable expertise and experience will be invaluable to us as we deliver accessible, high-quality, affordable healthcare to communities across Northern Ireland and redefine how people experience primary care through improved access, enhanced outcomes, and building a system that truly works for patients.”
Earlier this year, Duality Healthcare announced the successful completion of a £4.5 million investment round. The funding will accelerate the launch of new clinics, further expansion of healthcare services and the creation of up to 80 new jobs across NI. The company currently employs over 50 people with clinics in Newry, Ballymena, Omagh and Derry, with more planned this year. It recently announced an innovative partnership with Gordon’s Chemists aimed at bringing enhanced virtual and face-to-face GP services to communities across Northern Ireland.